Big guys may not always work, but it is not possible to have a center like the Lakers and Warriors.

In a previous NBA Western Conference semi-finals G5, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Golden State Warriors 121-110. After this game, the Timberwolves locked the total score of this round of series to 4-1, reaching the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years, while the Warriors were eliminated, ending the playoff journey this season.

In this game, the Timberwolves' starting center Rudy Gobert's performance was impressive. Gobert played 27 minutes and 31 seconds in the game, made 8 of 9 shots and 1 of 4 free throws, scored 17 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block, and had 2 fouls, with a high plus-minus value of +21. Gobert has stable efficiency on the offensive end, he has also shown his strong scoring ability at the basket, and he has seized few opportunities and obtained a large number of points. In addition, Gobert also showed outstanding rebounding protection and certain frame protection skills on the defensive end. Gobert actually doesn't play much, but the overall situation of the team is also very good when he is on the court. He can play a decisive role in both offense and defense, and his advantages in physical talent are also obvious. Obviously, the Warriors have no way to effectively limit Gobert, which is also an important factor in the Timberwolves being able to achieve such a key victory.

In the NBA regular season this season, Gobert made a total of 72 appearances in 82 games, averaging 33.2 minutes per game, averaging 12 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 turnovers and 2.5 fouls, with a shooting percentage of 66.9% and a free throw percentage of 67.4%. In the playoffs, Gobert averaged 28 minutes in the first 10 games, with averaging 8.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.9 turnovers and 2.8 fouls. He shot 60.7% from the field and 55.3% from free throws.

Gobert looks like his data is not particularly outstanding. He will still be targeted by his opponents in some games, but the Timberwolves are still convinced of his use. The Timberwolves also played a decisive role in Gobert's use. Whether in the series G5 against the Los Angeles Lakers or in this round of series G5, Gobert's influence on the game is obvious to all, and he also played a decisive role in the team's victory. Gobert's existence actually reminds teams like the Lakers and Warriors that are unwilling to use the inside more. Even if Gobert sometimes seems a little embarrassed on the defensive end due to his disadvantages in moving speed, he still has the ability to take on more responsibilities on the court. A traditional big center may not be effective forever on the court, but it is absolutely impossible to do without a center.